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Eggs are expensive. Try these egg substitute ideas to save on groceries.
Egg prices are at an all-time high. Try these egg substitute ideas the next time you bake if you’re looking to cut costs on your food budget.
Since 2020, egg prices have increased 170%! 😳 So while trying egg alternatives may not have been on your bingo card, it may be something worth adding to your meals to save.
These are the best egg substitute options if you’re looking for an egg alternative for baking:
1. Flax Seed Meal
For each egg needed, simply substitute with 1 tablespoon flax seed meal + 3 tablespoons water. Allow the mixture to thicken for a few minutes and then add to your dishes.
Hip Tip: This is a very common method for baking and cooking because the texture really does mimic an egg! Also, this works great as a binder for making these easy parmesan meatballs air fryer.
2. Chia Seeds
Using the same method with chia seeds also works! Simply mix 1 tablespoon chia seeds + 3 tablespoons water to substitute 1 egg. Let the mixture thicken for a few minutes before adding it to your recipe.
Hip Tip: The texture gets nice and gooey using chia seeds making it great for baking, such as in cookies, waffles, and bread.
3. Vinegar & Baking Soda
Mixing 1 teaspoon of baking soda with 1 tablespoon of vinegar can replace one egg in some recipes. These two ingredients produce a reaction that makes carbon dioxide and water, which can make baked goods light and airy.
Hip Tip: We have used this method when baking cakes and pancakes instead of eggs, and it works great!
4. Greek Yogurt
You can use 1/4 cup of unsweetened Greek yogurt for each egg that needs to be replaced. This is often the method recommended on cake boxes and other baked goods as the best egg alternative for desserts!
5. Creamy Nut Butter
To replace one egg in your baked goods, use 3 tablespoons of your favorite nut butter. Peanut butter and almond butter are both acceptable! Just note that this option will affect the flavor of your dish the most out of all the mentioned substitutes for eggs.
6. Carbonated Water
A 1/4 cup of carbonated water can be used instead of 1 egg for leavening as it adds moisture and air from the bubbles. This also works very well with cake and bread recipes.
7. Bob’s Red Mill’s Egg Replacer
One pack of Bob’s Red Mill Egg Replacer is equal to 34 eggs, making it a cost-effective alternative to traditional eggs. With the rising price of eggs, this plant-based option provides nearly triple the amount for a comparable cost.
Here’s the egg replacement one of our Hip readers recommends:
“Ener G egg baking substitute powder hands down in baked goods bc it retains the rise and texture in most recipes – used it for years for egg allergy. Bob’s Redmill doesn’t quite cut it on the height and things stay pretty dense. And Tru Egg in the fridge section for times you want a liquid sub.” – Angela, Hip reader
8. Aquafaba (liquid from many canned beans)
Aquafaba is the liquid in canned chickpeas, legumes, and beans; you can also preserve Aquafaba after cooking your chickpeas. Many vegans actually use Aquafaba as an egg white replacement, and you’ll use three tablespoons per egg. Considering you likely have some sort of canned bean in your pantry, this option is practically free!
9. Applesauce
Applesauce has a similar texture to beaten eggs, and using 1/4 cup can substitute eggs in almost every recipe. Since applesauce is often sweetened or mixed with other spices, try to opt for an unsweetened option. Priced at under $4, you’re getting a snack and an egg replacement.
10. Bananas (& other puréed fruits)
Certain puréed fruits are another common way to mimic eggs and are probably the most frugal option. Bananas are one of the most popular options; since they will flavor your recipes, opt for pumpkin or avocado if you’re looking for a more subtle egg alternative.
11. Silken Tofu
Tofu’s firmness depends on its water content; silken tofu has greater water content, making it very soft. It adds thickness to your recipes, so you’ll want to add 1/4 cup of silken tofu to recipes like brownies, cakes, and bread. Tofu is also incredibly affordable and another vegan-friendly option!
12. Gelatin
Unflavored gelatin is another handy egg alternative. Simply combine three tablespoons of water with one tablespoon of gelatin. This pack of gelatin under $20 has 32 tablespoons, which makes each “egg” serving about 55 cents.
Vegan or vegetarian? Opt for agar-agar.
Which egg replacer is right for you?
You may need to do a bit more experimenting when using egg substitutes, but it definitely can be done. Through trial and tribulation, you’ll be able to develop a preference for which substitute is best for whatever you’re making. On top of helping out those with egg allergies and sensitivities, we hope these options offer you a way to save money and cut back on the cost of eggs.
Still using eggs? Try the egg water test to see if they’re still fresh!
To check if an egg is fresh, try the egg water test. Simply place your egg in a bowl of cold water. This works because eggs become more porous over time, letting in air that eventually makes them float.
- Sinks to the bottom: it’s fresh.
- Stands upright: it’s still safe but not as fresh.
- Floats: it’s too old to eat.
For extra confirmation, you can also do a sniff test (bad eggs smell sulfurous) or shake the egg and if it sloshes, it’s likely too old.
Can you freeze milk, dairy, eggs, and more? You sure can. 😏
